On February 10, 2018, well-known calligrapher Zhang Yansheng presented his work to an appreciative audience.

Biography of Zhang YanSheng

Calligrapher Zhang YanSheng 张燕生 was born in Beijing in 1953. Growing up in a scholarly family he was steeped in the traditional discipline of calligraphy and studied the calligraphy of all the famous calligraphers such as 王羲之 from an early age. However, his first career as a young adult was in films. He was a science film director at the China Agricultural Film Studio and later at CCTV. During his seven-year tenure there he created dozens of popular science films, documentaries, feature films, scenery films, urban films and large-scale theatrical performances.

The Chinese Heritage Foundation was established, in 2004, by members of the Chinese community of the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area of Minnesota, in cooperation with The Minneapolis Foundation, to preserve and promote, through grant making, the understanding of Chinese history, culture, and heritage among all Minnesotans. The inaugural fund, the Chinese Heritage Foundation Fund, is an endowed fund, with grants of income restricted to the Foundation's funding priorities.

Recognizing that the charitable interests of Chinese families are broad and diverse, individual Donor Advised Funds have been incorporated as part of the Chinese Heritage Foundation.

The priorities of the Chinese Heritage Foundation recognize the long and rich cultural heritage of the people of Chinese lineage in Minnesota. In 21st century America we acknowledge the challenges of preserving our heritage and we embrace the opportunity to share our cultural wealth with the broader community. All Minnesota organizations and residents are eligible to apply for funding. With respect for the traditional values of our forebears, and appreciation for the dynamic and diverse community in which we live today, we will focus our grantmaking on the following priorities:

The Chinese Heritage Foundation Inagural Fund has been established to receive contributions and distribute grants in support of the Chinese Heritage Foundation's funding priorities. It is governed by an advisory committee elected by the contributors. Since it is a component fund of The Minneapolis Foundation, contributions to the Chinese Heritage Fund are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Contributions to the fund are welcome in any amount.